Freeport-John E. Barker, 77, of Freeport, died Thursday, June 28, 2007, at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.
Born December 3, 1929 in Springfield, Missouri, he was the son of Lynn and Ione (Hopkins) Barker. He married Penna D. Metoff February 27, 1953 in Anchorage, Alaska.
He graduated from Freeport High School and received his Associate Degree from Highland Community College.
John was a Korean Conflict Air Force veteran and a member of AMVETS.
He was a computer programmer and systems analyst for Micro Switch, Newell Companies, and Economy Insurance retiring in 1989. After retirement he worked for the Stephenson County Senior Center. He also drove the Cataract Bus in Freeport and the AMVET Bus to Madison, Wisconsin.
He was an avid bowler, Bear and Cub fan.
Surviving is his wife, Penna of Freeport; his daughter, Pamela (Dennis) Manus of Freeport; his son, Richard (Kate) Barker of Richmond Hill, Georgia; two sisters, Amy Pettit of Freeport, and Kay (John) Miller of Dyersville, Iowa; three grandchildren, Krista (Erik) Lantz of Tucson, Arizona, Amanda Barker and Ian Barker both of Richmond Hill, Georgia; special friends, Les and Lila Bruce of Freeport; and his beloved cat, Misty.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and one sister.
Funeral service and burial will be Monday 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Peace at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens with Reverend Donnley Dutcher of St. John United Church of Christ officiating.
Visitation will be Sunday 6 to 8 p.m. at Walker Mortuary and Monday 10 a.m. until time of service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Ferguson Cancer Center.
John's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, light a candle, or share a caring heart in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.